It’s the first Sunday of February – and yes, even I’m still in shock about how fast time flies.

As before, it’s time for your weekly dose of the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup. We reviewed the stories that you liked the most from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, 2023.

Here are the top five that you chose.

4-year waiting list

AutoFun Philippines has reported extensively on the illicit behavior of local Honda Cars dealers related to the 2023 Honda Civic Type R.

Some customers told us that “bidding wars” and exorbitant financing schemes are going on for the first batch of these hot hatchbacks. Honda Cars Philippines Inc. has denounced these practices, saying dealers cannot sell cars above the list price.

But the battle between supply and demand is about to get more intense for the Civic Type R. Honda Cars dealers in Japan announced that they will not accept any more orders because of production issues.

Given that the waiting time in Japan for the new Civic Type R is already four years, as of press time, when would markets like the Philippines get the next batches?

7-seaters: the good and the bad

Seven-seat sport-utility vehicles (SUV) remain hot items in the Philippines, where big families often travel together.

AutoFun Philippines contributor Mark Policarpio walked us through the top five SUVs in the market, along with the ones that aren’t as good as they used to be.

Which of these seven-seat behemoths would you pick?

BMW X7, watch out?

There’s a new kid in the premium, three-row SUV block that’s ready to take on the likes of the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS.

It isn’t German. It isn’t even European. But it does have a turbocharged inline-6 engine, a rear-wheel drive platform, and a mild-hybrid system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is poised to be the Japanese carmaker’s flagship SUV, offering up to eight seats, sporty driving dynamics and a plush cabin.

Do you think the CX-90 can take on the German establishment?

Toyota numbah wan!

After we reported on Toyota Motor Philippines’ 2022 sales, where it cornered nearly half of the country’s total car sales, it’s the head office’s turn.

Toyota Motor Company announced that it was the top-selling carmaker in the world last year with nearly 10.48 million units. These include the sales of Hino Trucks and small-car manufacturer Daihatsu, which Toyota partly owns.

But with Toyota president and CEO Akio Toyoda stepping down on Apr. 1, 2023, will the Japanese giant pursue electric vehicles (EV) more aggressively?

Ahead of the game

And speaking of EVs, SuperCharged Motors Inc. has been involved in EV importation since 2019.

However, with greater government support and legislation for EVs, the company is optimistic that the entire Philippine EV industry will grow from being a mere niche market.

Do you think the country is ready for the electric revolution?

AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup runs every Sunday. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on TikTok and Instagram!